China is confronting an outbreak of chikungunya fever, a mosquito-borne viral disease, primarily affecting Guangdong province, with over 7,700 cases reported since early July. The southern city of Foshan, a hotspot in the outbreak, has implemented real-name registration for purchasing fever and pain relief medications and imposed strict preventive measures reminiscent of COVID-19 restrictions, including deploying mosquito-eating fish, insecticide spraying, drone surveillance, and installing mosquito nets in drainage systems. These efforts have contributed to a decline in new cases, with 1,387 reported in the week from August 3 to 9, down from nearly 3,000 in previous weeks. More than 90% of patients in Foshan have recovered. The outbreak has also led to imported cases in Hong Kong, which has recorded five confirmed infections. In response to the outbreak, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Level 2 travel advisory for China, warning travelers about the mosquito-borne virus. The World Health Organization has cautioned global attention on the spread of chikungunya. While the virus is not transmitted person-to-person, symptoms typically appear 3 to 7 days after a mosquito bite and include fever, joint pain, and rash. Authorities in other Guangdong cities, such as Zhongshan and Zhanjiang, have launched health campaigns to prevent further spread. The outbreak has prompted China to revive some COVID-19-era public health measures to contain the virus. Experts note that while the chikungunya outbreak is serious in China, the risk to the U.S. remains low, with only isolated outbreaks expected. Meanwhile, Bangladesh is facing a surge in dengue cases, another mosquito-borne disease, with warnings of a potentially severe outbreak in August.
The patient reported feeling feverish and aching when returning from southern China. #9News https://t.co/rfmdlyTJao
Bangladesh is experiencing a surge in dengue cases and deaths, with health experts warning that August could bring an even more severe outbreak of the mosquito-borne disease if urgent action is not taken https://t.co/iKEIHE61bI
Bangladesh is experiencing a surge in dengue cases and deaths, with health experts warning that August could bring an even more severe outbreak of the mosquito-borne disease if urgent action is not taken. https://t.co/6Xyg4tvzb0 https://t.co/6Xyg4tvzb0